Planning Assistant Director

Buncombe County Government

. Support overall operations and management of the Planning Department in collaboration with the Department Director and staff .

Posted 9/22/2026full-timeAsheville • North Carolina • United StatesLead💰 $87,718 - $111,270 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in public administration and management, with a strong ability to lead teams, develop strategic plans, and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Proficient in data analysis and report preparation to support departmental operations and decision-making.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Public Administration KnowledgeStrategic PlanningTeam LeadershipData AnalysisRegulatory Compliance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Data AnalysisBudget PreparationPolicy DevelopmentReport PreparationGrant ManagementProgram ManagementSupervisory ExperienceStrategic PlanningProblem SolvingDatabase Management

Soft Skills

Communication SkillsInterpersonal SkillsLeadership SkillsCollaboration SkillsConflict Resolution

Tools & Technologies

Computer SystemsDatabasesSpreadsheets

Industry Keywords

Federal RegulationsState RegulationsLocal LawsPublic AdministrationCommunity Engagement

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support overall operations and management of the Planning Department in collaboration with the Department Director and staff
Assist with implementation of long-range strategic plans, departmental goals, policies, procedures, and business practices
Provide analysis and recommendations to support departmental operations
Assist in leading and directing management, professional, and support staff through direct and indirect supervision
Champion continuous improvement, including strategies and training and development opportunities
Ensure departmental compliance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, and procedures
Monitor, control, and interpret rules and laws, and develop data systems for effective and accurate support
Assist with preparation and implementation of annual operating and capital budgets
Identify, obtain, and manage grant and community-partner funding
Participate in interpretation, management, and enforcement of department contracts and grants
Establish and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders
Convene and participate in meetings, workshops, interagency task forces, special projects, and community groups
Prepare and present reports to County leadership, boards, commissions, governmental agencies, and community groups
Respond to and resolve confidential and sensitive inquiries
Investigate complaints and recommend corrective actions with the department director and Human Resources
Perform special projects and related duties as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in a related field and five (5) years of administrative experience in government or business, including two (2) years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program activities and/or business functions
Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration and management
Ability to direct and organize program activities and/or business functions
Ability to establish goals and objectives supporting the strategic plan
Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions
Ability to develop and evaluate policies and procedures
Ability to prepare reports and communicate effectively
Ability to supervise the work of others
Knowledge of computer systems, databases, and spreadsheet use
Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and deliver clear, engaging, data-based, accurate proposals aligned with strategic goals
Leadership and team management skills
Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, including experience working directly with users and collaborating across internal teams to deliver complex projects

Benefits

Comp & perks

8% contribution to 401(k) with no match required
State pension with a 5-year vesting period
First-class health insurance
13 paid holidays
12 days of sick leave that roll over each year
12+ days of PTO each year